Which Philosopher Lays Out the Greater Path to a Good Life, Aristotle or Plato?
Two of the great ancient philosophers, both Plato and Aristotle presented viewpoints on how an ideal life is to be led. In Plato’s Symposium, Plato implied different discourses on the true nature of love and that, ultimately, through love, in the purest and most powerful form, men may arrive at the highest good. In contrast, Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics outline how the greater good may be attained through virtuous actions and lifestyle. The Symposium is Plato’s description of Agathon’s party; a gathering of prominent philosopher’s all waxing philosophically on the truest form of love. The philosophers decide that their focus should be to give praise to Eros, the god of love, as it has been proposed that there are praises and songs for all the gods, yet none have been made for Eros. Phaedrus begins by speaking on how Eros was a great god and goes on to explain that love, above all else, is the driving force of man to live a good life. This ‘good life’ is not simply having financial s
